I love tomatoes! I always have, and enjoyed having them as a snack when I was a child. When I started going to organic food stores and farmer’s markets in Arizona, I realized that there are many varieties tomatoes out there. Tomatoes have long been known for their lycopene, and high amounts of Vitamins A and C, but there’s more health benefits that come with having tomatoes.

Tomatoes are also a great source of potassium, thiamin and Vitamin B6, as well as a wonderful source of antioxidants. Many research has been done on tomatoes and their effect on health. Some of the research includes health benefits of tomato consumption on post-menopausal women and the reduction of osteoporosis. Fresh tomatoes have also been shown to lower total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides. Tomatoes truly do excel in the reduction of heart disease, but don’t forget their anti-cancer benefits too. A lot of research has been done on prostate cancer and tomatoes in men, as well as the benefits of tomato consumption and risks of breast and pancreatic cancer. All in all, I think that this super fruit does deserve to be consumed everyday.

Here’s a small guide to the 5 different types of tomatoes out there (they’re all beneficial to your health):

Globe Tomatoes: also known as beefsteak and slicing tomatoes. These are our average round and red tomatoes found everywhere.

Cherry Tomatoes: these little clusters of juiciness are about the same size of a cherry, and usually a little sweeter and juicier than the globe tomatoes.